Latest articles by Matt McCracken
Best budget laptops for music production 2024: Affordable laptops for making music
We've got the latest laptops on test that will not only enable you to make music anywhere, but do it without spending a fortune – our top picks start at just $/£300
How we test audio interfaces
Everything you need to know about how the MusicRadar team tests audio interfaces for reviews and buyer's guides - our full methodology explained
Waves just launched 3 massive early Black Friday software offers - and you can get your hands on one of them for absolutely nothing
Grab yourself some monstrous discounts with these early plugin deals over at Waves
Best budget studio monitors 2024: Wallet-friendly home studio speakers, most pairs under $200/£200
The best cheap studio monitors for home recording, with hand-picked and affordable options from IK Multimedia, M-Audio, JBL, PreSonus and more
Best MIDI keyboards 2024: Mac, PC and iOS keyboards for players, composers and producers
Our expert guide to the best MIDI keyboards of all sizes and budgets to integrate with your home studio
Best dynamic microphones 2024: Top picks for recording instruments, vocals and podcasts in challenging conditions
Equally at home on the stage or in the studio, we’ve tested a range of dynamic mics to help you get the results you’re after
Best budget studio headphones 2024: Cheap headphones to tackle every studio task
Expert buying advice, plus our pick of budget studio headphones for music-makers from just $49/£39
Best free DAWs 2024: The best free music production software
Start making music today by downloading a digital audio workstation for nothing - featuring options for PC, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux
Best iPhone microphones 2024: Top picks for mobile recording, vlogging and video conferencing
Transform your iPhone or iPad into a studio with these mics from Austrian Audio, Shure, Teenage Engineering, Zoom, and more…
Best audio interface 2024: For home recording, podcasting, and streaming - tested by experts
Our tried and tested pick of USB and Thunderbolt interfaces for Mac and PC across every budget, plus full reviews, in-depth testing, and buying advice
Best DAWs 2024: The best digital audio workstations for PC and Mac
Our expert pick of music production software packages for every budget and application - tested and rated
Supercharge your next production with up to 50% off instruments and effects in the unmissable Native Instruments NKS partner sale
The perfect sale for producers just landed over at the Native Instruments website
“A brilliant piece of kit that’s more than a match for the demands of the modern producer/engineer”: Universal Audio Apollo x4 Gen 2 review
The next generation of Universal Audio Apollo is here, and we got hands-on ahead of launch to put it through its paces
Best XLR microphones 2024: Superb sound for studio and stage
Capture the very best-quality, noise-free performances with these XLR-equipped mics from AKG, Aston, Neumann, Røde, Sennheiser, Shure and more...
Best looper pedals 2024: these are the greatest loop stations for every budget
Explore our pick of compact and floorboard loopers from the likes of Boss, TC Electronic, Line 6, and more
Best Stratocasters 2024: Our top choice Fender Stratocasters
Our experts countdown the best Strat guitars - from budget to pro - that showcase arguably the most iconic guitar of all time
"Offers a huge amount of options for all players of stringed instruments, and provides the highest accuracy available for any clip-on tuner": Peterson Stroboclip HDC review
One of the most accurate clip-on tuners available for musicians, and discuss that astronomical entry fee
“A great option for beginner players or those looking to expand their tonal palette on a budget”: Harley Benton DNAfx GiT Advanced review
The middle model of Harley Benton’s budget multi-effects pedal range looks for your attention in a crowded market
Quick! Get the original Spark smart amp at a super low price for a limited time in Positive Grid’s big Labor Day sale
With the launch of the Spark 2, prices are starting to plummet on the original and much-loved Spark amp
Best studio monitor stands 2024: Optimise your home studio
Everything you need to know about studio monitor stands and why you need them in your recording studio
Best guitar amp headphones 2024: Our top choices, from wearable tech to pro in-ear monitors
Immerse yourself in your guitar playing with headphones, earphones and IEMs from Boss, Vox, Sennheiser, Shure, Focal and more…
Best distortion pedals 2024: our pick of the top gain stages for guitar
Bring the filth with 10 of the best distortion pedals for hard-rock, metal, and beyond
With up to 94% off at Plugin Boutique, these are the best plugin deals you’ll see for a while - here’s 5 picks from a mixing fanatic with 20 years in the home recording game
Now’s the perfect time to upgrade your plugin collection with this ginormous sale at Plugin Boutique
